This bill requires all hospitals, licensed birthing centers, federally qualified health centers, and healthcare practitioners in New Jersey to provide non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to every pregnant person, starting at ten weeks of pregnancy. The NIPT is a blood test that screens for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities, and it must be conducted according to the latest guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Testing is mandatory unless the pregnant person submits a written refusal, and healthcare providers are obligated to inform patients about the benefits and risks associated with the test.

Additionally, the bill mandates that health insurance plans cover the costs of NIPT without any cost-sharing for eligible individuals under Medicaid. The Commissioner of Health is responsible for developing educational programs and standardized forms related to NIPT, including documentation for refusals. The bill also requires healthcare providers to discuss test results with patients and refer them to genetic counselors if a positive result is obtained. This comprehensive approach ensures that pregnant individuals have access to essential prenatal testing without financial barriers, enhancing maternal and fetal health outcomes in New Jersey.